The Growth of

Student Subcultures

SUBCULTURE• Cultural patterns that set apart some segments of the society's population. • It can be based on age, ethnicity, residence, sexual preference, occupation, and many other factors.

Two Basic Levels

• what it means to people.

In terms of a general sense

of culture.

• the various groups we belong to involve particular sets of norms that apply only when we participate in these group.

In terms of a specific sense

of subcultures.

Functions of Subcultures

Permitting specialized activity

• subcultures carry the knowledge necessary to perform specialized tasks.

Identity in mass society

• subcultures also provide a source of identity in mass society.

Cultural adaptation and change

• subcultures’ function is to serve as a source of adaptation to society.